FIFA's Ruling Sends Messi to Beijing
Wednesday, 30 July 08, 03:46 PM · Comments(5)
As I predicted, FIFA's ruling has obliged all clubs of releasing their players under the age of 23 to their respective countries if called to Olympic duty. The decision came this morning as officials stood firm on their position, stating it "mandatory" for clubs to allow their younger players to serve in Olympic duty.
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona will file a formal appeal, further hindering the Argentinian Messi from joining his squad in China. They won't admit this, but Barcelona's goal is to simply drag out this process until the Olympics have already begun. The head of the AFA and coach of Argentina had already declared that Messi is not permitted to join the team mid-tournament. Because of this, their is a high possibility that Barca may succeed at keeping Messi from going to China.
However, I still believe Little Lionel will end up playing in Beijing as FIFA will most likely deny Barca's appeal rather quickly. I'm sad he won't be around for the Champions League qualifier, but I'm glad to see him happy as I know he has desired to play in the Olympics for some time now.
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Messi wants to satisfy everyone, and there lies the problem. His heart is with his country in Argentina, but he also loves Barca and would never want to put them in a situation that puts them at risk of not making it to the Champions league.
we can qualify for the champions league without Messi....and like lempira said it's good FIFA is calling the shots...why have a governing body who does nothing...FIFA is stepping up....Barca should just let Messi go...trust me we don't want another Ronaldinho situation where the player is not happy because of the club's treatment...LET MESSI GO...he will be back
a lot of clubs have been putting up a fight about this ruling. Preseason may be important but this is the olympics were talking about, and most of these guys will be too old next time they come around.
5 Comments · Add yours
That's good because FIFA needs to stay above the clubs and not the clubs above FIFA!!!!
what does Messi want? anyone asked him that?